When it comes to skiwear, there are three distinct style tribes: the Middleton, the Moss and the TP-T. Yes, you've guessed it, our ski style leaders are
Kate Middleton
, Kate Moss and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, all of whom work their own idiosyncratic look on the slopes. Long gone (mercifully) are the days when the height of ski style was limited to an all-in-one number from C&A. Back in 1988, my sister and I thought we were the epitome of cool in our matching powder-pink ski suits. My father still thinks his black version works, but that's another story.

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Thankfully, our ski queens are more up to date. As befits her surname, Kate Middleton treads the same line in skiwear as she does with fashion: the safe middle ground. There's nothing too chi-chi about Will's girl. Her look is more sporty Sloane than James Bond femme fatale; you can't imagine a youthful Roger Moore pursuing her down Klosters's slopes. Her red, utilitarian Schoffel ski jacket, black salopettes (try Adidas by Stella McCartney or Topshop) and bobble hat are on the money and can be spotted at chalet girl meccas such as Verbier, Val d'Isère and Zermatt. Sweet, sensible and stylish, this girl won't be caught without her hot pink Bollé goggles in a blizzard.

For the Middleton's après-ski attire, think jeans and a sheepskin gilet teamed with Snowjoggers. In this get-up, any Middleton is ready to hit the Farm Club in Verbier with gusto and down schnapps until closing time (yet still manage to be first on the chairlift without a hangover in sight).

If you are a member of the Moss tribe, you'll know that the all-in-one - skiwear's equivalent of the jumpsuit - is the fashionista's choice. Wear with caution if you're older than 18 and anything less than toothpick-thin. Naturally, the Moss rocks Prada's fur-trimmed version (for a cheaper alternative, try Topshop, £150; 0845 121 4519) but if you don't fancy complicated bathroom breaks, stay true to the Moss's spirit with a jacket in a daring shade instead. Oversized sunglasses are the Moss's prerequisites (they take the glare off the paparazzi flashes, darling). Check out Oliver Peoples or Tom Ford. These are only for gentle skiers pottering along in good weather, though and, let's face it, the Moss is more about the boozy lunch than making the grade for the Olympic ski team.

When not on the slopes, the Moss likes to flex her fashion muscle. Expect directional capes (check out Jaeger's military inspired wool one, £299; 0845 051 0063) and leather bombers during the day and glamorous, sequinned minis at night.

Words of warning: designer skiwear can look incredibly naff. No style-setter would want to be confused with a Russian Svetlana in a pricey Dior ski suit who's more interested in tackling the Cristal at Les Caves than the Jockeys (famous black run) in Courchevel. The
only
acceptable label on the slopes is Prada; prance around in Marc Jacobs's moon boots and Chanel's leather ski suit and you will look ridiculous, as a certain Mrs Beckham did. Fashionistas can forgive a cheating husband but not an overmatched designer ski outfit. Ditto, headbands and hats with those awful "mohicans" - they are beyond ghastly and anyone who packs one should be prevented from leaving the country.

Ski style is as much about being comfortable as looking chic - and Tara Palmer-Tompkinson knows this with her stretch, skinny Henri Duvillard ski trousers and elegant, belted ski jacket by Moncler or Bogner (word on the slopes is avoid Trespass - getting the jacket wrong could get you laughed out of the Eagle Ski Club in Gstaad. And no, Bogner is not named after Bognor Regis).

Accessories-wise, the TP-T adores fur both on and off the slopes (where else can she wear it with impunity?). Fur-lined snow boots by Ugg (£220; 01475 746000) are favoured along with Karl Donoghue's gorgeous lambskin fur trapper or William Sharp's funky fur bobble hat (£185, Harrods; 020 7730 1234) to keep warm in the high altitude. Come evening, the TP-T will happily fling a fox fur stole over her evening dress.